Chapter 3

It was Saturday night and Bette couldn’t help but dwell on the idea of Tina on a date. It was eating at Bette’s heart. She picked up the phone and dialed Alice.

Alice: Hey *****.

Bette: Hey Al. I was wondering what you and Dana were up to tonight.

Alice: We were gonna head to MILK. Do you want to join?

Bette: I don’t want to intrude

Alice: Bette, we are going to a ***** club with at least 200 people there. I am sure out of all of them, you will be the least intrusive.

Bette: Thank you. I would love to go. Should I meet you guys there?

Alice: Yup, around 9.

Bette: Ok. Thanks Al.

Alice: No need to thank me. I should be thanking you. I’m going to a MILK with the 2 hottest lesbians in all of Cali. Everyone will be so jealous! Hey, maybe we could convince everyone there that I am dating both of you. That would be amazing! The girls would all die

Bette: Al, I’m not sure Dana would approve.

Alice: Oh yeah. OK, nevermind. OK, here is another ideatonight, I can pimp you out! Huh? Huh?

Bette couldn’t control her laughter. She adored Alice.

Bette: Goodbye Al.

Bette arrived promptly at 9pm. She always had a knack for showing up right on time. She spotted Alice and Dana in a booth by the bar. She walked through the dance floor removing her winter white coat. Bette looked stunning. She wore jeans like no one else. She always managed to make her outfits look classy. Tonight she wore dark flared jeans with a simple whit blouse. All eyes were on her. Bette didn’t even notice. Alice and stood up to hug their friend.

Alice: You look incredible Porter!

Dana: UhYEAH!

Dana was practically speechless. Alice noticed and slapped Danas arm.

Alice: Eyes on me. Remember I’m your girlfriend! Ok?

Dana and Bette giggled together.

Bette: Thanks guys. I feel so weird being here without Tee.

Alice: How did your date go with her last night?

Bette motioned for the waitress to come take her order.

Bette: It went well. I think. I played it really cool which she appreciated. ( Bette turned to the waitress) Can I have a green apple martini? Oh and a water. Thanks. ( Back to Dana and Alice) The thing is, she has a date tonight.

Alice and Dana both looked at Bette with sorrow in their eyes.

Bette: No, it’s ok. I mean it hurts, but I understand. I just wish it wasn’t with that girl.

Dana: What girl?

Alice: Kate? The redhead?

Bette: That’s the one.

Bette coolly sipped her martini trying to look like she didn’t care as much as she did.

Alice: Well Miss Thing, aren’t you gonna try your hand in the dating pool.

Bette: I don’t think so.

Someone caught Alice’s eye heading toward the table. The woman was gorgeous. Long blond hair, striking features, and the brightest smile Alice had ever seen. This time Dana had to nudge Alice to stop looking. The woman stopped by Bette’s side.

Jennifer: Excuse me, Are you Bette Porter?

Bette did not want to be bothered tonight but when she looked up at the women her pointed featurers softened.

Bette: Yes, Im Bette Porter. Can I help you?

Jennifer: I’m Jennifer Wilson. Im the editor for Art and Gallery Magazine. My collegues and I were sitting over there trying to figure out if it was you or not.

The woman’s smile intoxicated Bette. She stood to shake Jennifer’s hand.

Bette: Yeah, it’s me. I love your magazine. I have been a loyal subscriber for 7 years now.

Alice and Dana watched as the two casually flirted.

Alice:

Bette: Oh right, sorry. Jennifer these are my friends, Alice and Dana.

Jennifer; It’s nice to meet you.

Alice: Likewise. Ya know, I’m a writer too.

Dana: And I’m a professional tennis player.

Dana felt stupid the moment the words crossed her lips. There was no reason to announce that.

Alice shot Dana look.

Dana: What? It just slipped out.

Alice patted Dana’s leg to let her know she thought it was cute.

Jennifer: Well, we were wondering, my friends and I that it, if you would care to join us for a drink. But I don’t want to impose on you and your friends.

Bette looked back at the girls who lovingly nudged her away.

Bette: Sure, let me just grab my drink.
After the quick introductions Bette settled into the booth with the 4 ladies. She was so happy to be engaged in stimulating art conversation that she barely noticed that Jennifer’s gaze had not left her direction. A few hours had quickly blown by and now it was only Bette and Jennifer left at the table.

Jennifer: I hear a little rumor.

Bette: And what rumor was that?

Actually Jennifer had heard two rumors. One of them about Bette Porter being back on the market. That one she knew was confimed.

Jennifer: The CAC is housing the Randolph exhibit isn’t it?

Bette smiled knowlingly.

Jennifer: I am and have always been a HUGE Randolph fan! Please tell me it’s true!

Bette: It’s true. In fact, the art arrived at the gallery 3 days ago.

Jennifer: Oh my god that is so exciting. So have you seen it? Is it amazing? Tell me everything!

Bette smirked.

Bette: I’ll do one better. Do you want to see it?

Jennifer: Are you serious?

Bette grabbed her keys.

Bette: Come on.

Jennifer grabbed Bette’s hand and followed her out the door. Jennifer knew this was her chance with Bette Porter.

The two arrived at the CAC just after midnight. Bette opened the door and flipped on the lights. Jennifer gasped when she saw Randolph’s work. She truly did love the artist, this wasn’t just a ploy to get Bette, but if Bette happened to fall in love with her in the process, so be it.

Bette showed Jennifer around the gallery. She loved watching her face light up with each piece.

Jennifer: Thank you so much. This is really amazing.

Bette: Your welcome. I love to watch the expression on people’s faces when they really love something.

Jennifer moved in closer to Bette and placed a soft kiss on Bette’s full lips.

It dawned on Bette just then what was going on here. Had she been out of the dating world so long that she didn’t realize Jennifer had been hitting on her?

Bette pulled away shocking Jennifer.

Jennifer: I’m sorry Bette. I just thought

Bette: It’s ok. I guess I just didn’t realize that’s what this was.

Jennifer: No, it wasn’t. (Jennifer lied) It’s just I guess I got caught up in all of this.

Bette wasn’t exactly sure what to say. She knew she was free to see other people as well. In fact Tina had made it very clear that she wanted Bette to do just that. Bette just wasn’t sure she was comfortable with that.

Bette: Jennifer, I just sort of got out of a relationship, only, I’m kinda still in it. It’s complicated.

Jennifer: I’m sorry Bette. Really I am.

Bette: It’s ok. It’s fine.

Jennifer: So, I mean are you free to see other people?

It was bold of her to ask but she wouldn’t quit without a fight.

Bette: Yeah I am. I just wasn’t sure I was going to explore that option.

Jennifer: If you decide to, will you call me? I really like you Bette Porter.

She flashed Bette her most sincere smile.

Bette was blushing at this point.

Bette: I will. I promise. I like you too.

Bette felt guilty for even saying that she liked her. But she did. She felt like she betrayed Tina again. It occurred to her just then that Tina was out on a date. She was out with some other woman, probably having a really nice time and not thinking about Bette at all.

Bette: Ya know what?

Jennifer: What?

Bette: Why don’t we grab coffee sometime. Not really a date. Lets just get to know each other. That is of course if you don’t mind having me as a friend.

Jennifer: That would be great. I’d like that.

Bette: Yeah?

She smiled at Jennifer.

Jennifer: Yeah.

Bette: Good. It’s late so I guess we should get going now.

Jennifer: You’re right. Bette I can’t thank you enough for tonight. It was amazing and I had a really nice time. I am so sorry I threw myself at you.

Bette: No, it’s fine. I’m just happy to know I still have what it takes to make it in the ***** single world.

Bette and Jennifer giggled.

Jennifer: With out a doubt you do!

The two finally parted ways promising to call one another. Bette wasn’t quite sure how she felt about the entire evening. She was flooded with mixed emotions. She wanted Tina and only Tina. But if Tina wanted her to date, she thought she should. All of this was too much and it was tearing Bette up inside. There was only one logical thing to do. First thing tomorrow she would call Alice for advice. Alice always knew what to do.

Meanwhile on the other side of town Tina was enjoying her date with Kate

TBC